Stephen 8-15-09

Can hate and anger comprehend,
that love and peace protects, defends?
How can earthly warring cease
with hate and anger, love and peace?

Stephen, honest from his youth,
spoke in pure unbridled truth.
A man of love - to God attached,
A reputation, few had matched.

This man, so trusted many years
had brought to surface others' fears.
When evil rulers questioned acts,
dear Stephen merely stated facts.

They were enraged, became disgusted
with the man who others trusted -
though of faith and Spirit-filled,
Stephen was the man they killed.

Rulers, sin had so distracted
by their thoughts that they'd enacted,
stepped forth from an evil clan -
and stoned to death this Godly man.

From evil men - among their hurds -
sometimes stones are spiteful words.
Hate is used, still used today -
when words are used to kill who may.

Who may walk in step with God,
where evil men will never trod?
For evil men will never hear
the promises that cause them fear.

How can earthly warring cease
with hate and anger, love and peace?
Can't hate and anger comprehend,
our love and peace protects, defends?

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Seek Ye First 8-8-09

The greed of man from that first tree!
How selfish can His people be?
The Almighty, we don't fear.
Can man not seek?
Can man not hear?

Creating gods from whither star,
how foolish all God's people are!
The lessons of all history past -
Can man not seek?
Can man not last?

With singers, actors in disguise,
do we, our hero's idolize?
When entertainment cannot give -
can man not seek?
Can man not live?

Then rulers of our very land -
apply their pressures on demand.
Agendas lie beneath the sea -
can man not seek?
Can man not see?

And then when profits rule the skies,
the poor are stripped. We hear the cries.
So obvious, greed will reveal -
can man not seek?
Can man not feel?

We'll vote for change at any cost -
when answers, here on earth exhaust.
When hope is spent, we'll look above -
where man will find
that perfect Love....

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Good Morning! 8-5-09

Can I rise to face today,
when I hear all the things they say?

Can I fathom one more day,
despite the stubborn and their way?

Can I survive this world's decay,
with all the laws in disarray?

Can I get up - is it okay,
go back to sleep or walk away?

Can I just work another day,
for one small check - my measly pay?

Can I get up with skies so gray,
and face the torture - come what may?

Can I give up and can I pray,
"I trust Your 'will' and trust Your way?"

Can I look up and can I say,
"I'm humbly Yours and will obey?"

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Foundation's Truth 8-1-09

So proud and tall she stands today,
for she had understood the way -
the importance of her humble job
while surrounded with such disarray.

Lest our nation backward slide,
never once we cussed or lied,
but now through 'hope' and true 'belief'
we're safely home and here abide.

She had noticed through the years
so many 'wet behind the ears'.
For they had taken it for granted -
a right that easily disappears.

Still there, but lonely, she still stands,
(no music, pomp or marching bands) -
Her usefulness has gone, expired -
as 'greater good' today demands.

Our freedom's 'right' - none can erase,
but most give up in any case.
She stands so ready, though alone -
next to a corrupt voting place.

When blinded by bad policy,
can she still fly our flag freely?
If one by one our 'rights' are stripped -
can this, a mighty nation be?

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Who? 7-8-09

We read, each day, Your Holy Word.
We know that it is true.
We promise to obey you Lord
but 'what' are we to do?

We read and understand Your Word,
You know our lives are pure.
We promise to obey you Lord -
but 'when?' - we're not so sure.

We read and comprehend Your Word,
We sometimes inward grow.
We promise to obey you Lord -
but 'where' are we to go?

We are as ready as Your Word,
prepared to follow You.
We promised to obey you Lord -
but 'who' should follow through?

We always keep on promising
and say we'll do our best -
but when it gets right down to it
our 'will' has taken rest.

Well, Jesus took up His own cross -
and died for me and you -
and Jesus did not ask and ask -
the 'what', 'when', 'where', or 'who'....

'WHAT' we do - is follow Him.
The 'WHEN' is now, you see.
'WHERE' is to lost, dying souls,
and 'WHO' is always "me".

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The End 7-6-09

Oh, 30,000 days or so -
those are the pages most will go.
Though maybe sooner in your book -
Just read your pages - take a look.
---
Learning life had just begun -
began to walk and then to run.
Trips to the zoo - the lion cage.
Another day, another page....

Then in school with papers, pens,
socially too, made special friends.
You passed your adolescent age.
Another day, another page....

Oh, you had life all figured out -
through your thoughts there was no doubt -
Life was good, your friends engaged.
Another day, another page....

Support abortion on demand!
A baby? Not what you had planned.
If some opposed, you got enraged!
Another day, another page....

Money too and debt thereon,
with all you got our hands upon.
You then demanded higher wage.
Another day, another page....

Focused on yourself instead -
chapter after chapter read.
The time flew fast and you had aged.
Another day, another page....

Final wrinkles took their hold -
now you admit you're getting old.
Alone you lived - your final stage.
Another day, another page....
---
Searching, searching, day to day,
we filled our books in our own way -
Though some fought death, by "hook or crook" -
we knew that God still held the book.

God's fast-food strength we happened on -
and instant grace we cashed in on -
but faithless days and days of sin -
the 'Book of Life', our names are in?

It's not too late to humble some,
and to our God and Savior come.
If Jesus in our books, will spend -
then happy are the words: "The End"

Words on pages, perfect spelled
when in His hands our books are held.
Our God and Savior we'll discover -
when He closes our back cover....

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hard To Come By 6-28-09

As wars break out, hurt innocent,
through torture, hate and lie.
To see these deaths, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When schools teach our children
that God they can deny -
the school shootings sadden me -
and words are hard to come by....

When churches want to compromise,
compassioned speech supply -
When truth is dead, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When parents through their anger
will see their children cry.
This child abuse so saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When judges, with our documents,
our wants, through law imply -
abortion deaths, they sadden me -
and words are hard to come by....

Oh, sin on earth grows daily -
hate escalates so high.
When sinful actions sadden me -
the words are hard to come by....

Point your finger, pass the buck.
Actions speak - so hear them cry.
Their louder voices sadden me,
and words are hard to come by....

So if you must - accuse me quick -
if truth refuse to buy.
Oh, will we learn on judgment day -
that words are hard to come by...?

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Can I See? 6-25-09

All is dark and all is sin
when there's no speck of light -
but God brought light into the world.
He shines so very bright.

When life is tough and growing dark,
when I can barely see -
it's then I have to ask myself,
"Has God withdrawn or me?"

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Answer Screams 6-23-09

There is turmoil in the world today.

What side is America on?

The side of 'diplomatic correctness' or truth?

.

I searched the earth, the land and sea,
I searched through church and even me....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - what we've forgot?

I searched out far, to other lands,
through darkened forests, desert sands....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - what we've forgot?

I searched up high, the stars, the skies,
and also asked the learned and wise....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - if we know not?

Somewhere, one answer's right, we know -
between our God - and Hell below.
To find it, man has done his best,
When looking north - south, east and west.

We know this world's in downward spin.
As people die, they die within.
Why does it seem - few people care?
And do we miss the answer there?

Then at His cross - His love, His grace,
I stumbled some to see His face -
And from this cross, as He looked down,
blood still dripping, off His crown.

He looked at me in such a way,
that I remember to this day -
my sin I could not least disguise -
as He peered in, my hopeful eyes.

Despite His face, so bloody, stained,
despite His cuts, despite His pain,
despite the nails through hands and feet,
my searching still was incomplete.

He then relayed a final clue.
I asked, "What can one Christian do?
Just one of me will never do."
I found it not, my answers few.

And this is why, what's done is done.
The truth, I feared, would weigh a ton.
I could not stand to see His face,
so I looked down in deep disgrace.

Then humbled by what I saw next,
I saw not one, but two objects.
I searched no more, for on the ground -
This answer clearly I had found.

Sometimes the answer's like our dreams -
and isn't really what it seems -
and this time I was in a fix....
Truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

It's not in all the things I hold.
It's not my money or my gold.
The answer's here and it's complete,
beneath our Savior's bloody feet.

I thought, how can I lift my cross,
when I, His sandals, step across?
Challenging, our earthly scandals.
The answer screams, "His Holy Sandals!"

At first, quite stunned, I gazed upon -
then reverantly I slipped them on.
If on this cross His work is done,
then here my work has just begun.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 12:32-34 (NASB)
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
33"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.
34"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

A Child's Prayer 6-21-09

I saw a little girl reaching up for her mothers hand.

All the little girl wanted was a little love and comfort.

I began to ponder the little girls thoughts....

I woke right up this morning but
my mommy wasn't there.
The sun was shining brightly though,
so knew my mommy cared.
I pulled off my pajamas,
put on my favorite dress,
went down to find my mommy and,
with many hopes, impress.

Though she was drinking coffee,
with phone up to her ear -
I said, "Good morning mommy!
I'm very glad you're here."
I must have interrupted her.
I guess she didn't hear,
so I mouthed the words, "I love You"
- tried hard to whisper clear.

I made myself some cereal
as I, each morning, do.
Some say she doesn't love me but,
I know it isn't true.
When finished with my breakfast,
I thought I heard her scoff -
but put the dishes in the sink
and cleared the table off.

Then later on that morning
while going into town -
the radio had blared as if,
I was not around.
While in the mall together,
I reached up for her hand.
I guess she didn't see it or
she didn't understand.

Later, in my room alone -
(just my doll and me)
I heard her call for dinner with
a book and her TV.
The microwave had sounded,
while she sat on the couch.
She didn't ever smile much,
but she was not a grouch.

Tonight, here on my bed I am,
and laying on my back,
some tears are rolling down my cheeks -
my mom's a bit off-track.
So a little prayer I whisper,
(eyes covered with each palm).
I say a prayer to Jesus then -
I thank Him for my mom.

"Jesus, mommy loves me -
no matter what You see.
  She gives me everything I need.
 Please Jesus, just agree ."

 "Mommy is so short of time -
 in circles, she gets dizzy -

so if you get a chance, dear Lord -
please help her.  She's so busy.

"She's working very hard, you know -
such little time, has she.
I know, if she was here right now -
she'd dry these tears for me.

"So Jesus, don't be angry.
I love her quite a lot.
  Please help her with her troubles 'cause,
 my mom is all I've got."

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Special Times 6-19-09

A little different poem again.

I hope you like the 'contrast'

between the two individuals.

.

My heart pumps harder every beat.
Sweat runs faster in the heat.
The sidewalk, our familiar beat,
as dad enjoys the warming heat.

I'm swamped with work, my patience thin.
I do my best - but cannot win!
His lungs are weak, his face is thin,
but with our love, we always win.

I must be prompt - and on a dime,
but I'll be late. There isn't time!
He's broke and no one spares a dime -
but jointly - precious is our time.

The meeting started half-past-ten
and now I will be late again!
The time we spend, we rate a "10"
so I'll return - again, again.

I'll be late. I think, "Oh, well."
Trouble, I can always spell.
I know the plastic handles well -
"Father, should we stop a spell?"

Small weeds in cracks on sidewalk die,
as I fly past, I run them by....
The flowers seem to never die.
We smell those flowers - not pass by.

The elevator, I jump on,
the second floor, I push upon.
We rested some, and then walked on -
Us, others fixed their gaze upon.

Finally there, alone I stood -
I saw him stare (this isn't good).
Beside my dad, I faithful stood -
enjoying life - as this is good.

---

Good health (like fragrance) fades away -
So smell those flowers every day.
For I'll not trade a day I've had -
those special times with good 'ol dad.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Matter Of Time 6-15-09

That one specific day will come
when we will feel real dumb.
What do we know?
What do we really know?

One day we will pull off our mask
and to ourselves will surely ask,
"Where did life go?"
"Where did life really go?"

Hither, yon - possessions transfer
but as of yet - have no answer,
"What's the purpose?"
"What's the real purpose?"

With the barber, dentist, grocer -
our own funeral's getting closer.
"What seeds did we sow?"
"What seeds did we really sow?"

Our bodies rot, our souls will live.
Did faith endure? Did God forgive?
"Where do we go?"
"Where do we really go?"

Life is silly, so absurd
with all the things that we have heard.
"How low does it get?"
"How low does it really get?"

Does it go as low as hell,
if in our soul the Devil dwell?
"Does it make us sweat?"
"Does it make us really sweat?"

....that one specific day will come
when we will feel real dumb.
What do we know?
What do we really know?

Will on that specific day we know,
if our souls are really white as snow?
Will we be ready?
Will we be really ready?

Grace is here for everyone
but faith is only held by some.
Oh, it's just a matter of time,
we'll know this world ain't worth a dime.

What do I know?
What do I really know?
We, each other, simply mime.
It's just a matter of (God's) time....

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Puzzled? 6-10-09

Is something in life missing?
Do you still bear the cost?
Do you still feel empty
and know that something's lost?

Are you feeling down and out?
Is life so very bad?
Still looking for an answer?
Puzzled - very sad?

---
Sometimes, in life, the pieces
don't always seem to fit -
it's then we feel so empty
and really want to quit.

As with me, I'd focus
on life's tremendous wealth.
I thought I saw the picture of -
its riches and good health.

At first I worked the border.
The colors I'd assess -
and then I'd push another in,
and thought I'd found success.

Searching, searching, searching more,
I'd find another clue -
and as the larger picture cleared,
I'd get a better view.

Still working in great diligence
I'd press more pieces in -
but as the picture took its shape,
I found myself in sin.

There were some pieces missing -
and many questions raised -
but as it came apparent I -
sat speechless and amazed.

That puzzle seemed much brighter
than sunny cloudless weather.
The less I strained to see it,
the more it came together!

The sky exquisite, stunning -
with deepest, bluest blues -
and buildings never seen before -
were fascinating hues.

Tall alabaster columns,
reflected spectrum's light -
and set apart from specks of dust -
appeared so pure and bright.

The lines between the pieces
had seemed to disappear -
and as I saw that picture,
my head began to clear.

The puzzle - nearly finished -
as life had sought out fun,
the center of my hearts own work
was missing that last one.

The missing piece was at my door -
years, waiting to come in -
I never heard the knocking though -
for I was dead in sin.

I felt so lost, inadequate -
compelled to see it then -
so I broke down on both my knees
and sought that piece again.

Grace brought it all together.
Through faith, life sure is sweet.
Until Christ placed that final piece -
my life was incomplete.

I could not put it in myself,
for humbleness is key -
but now that missing puzzle piece
is locked in there for me.

So if in life, discouraged,
you want to call it quits -
just pray out loud to Jesus.
His puzzle piece still fits.

---

You know your life is fleeting.
you know your life will cease.
So just allow God's only Son
to place your final piece.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hanging On 6-8-09

You looked to Me - why stay lukewarm?
Temptations always bring a storm.
Although My truth is flowing free,
why cast your heavy doubts on Me?

Still to that cross, I'm hanging on,
so tell me who you look upon?
Although My Spirit's flowing free,
why, so oft', can you not see?

Still nailed to mine, as suffering soared.
I did not leave - but took the sword.
You know My grace is flowing free,
so why, such little faith, have ye?

I did not leave - but did you, yours?
-despite the pain, despite the sores?
And while My wrath is flowing free,
why (holds pride) your rigid knee?

As trials come... You hanging on?
Now tell me who you call upon!
Although My love is flowing free,
why no prayers? -but now blame Me?

My work is done. Father commands.
Just take a look at both my hands.
Don't look at self - but look to me,
and all temptations lies will flee.

Sufficient is Our perfect grace -
but faith must focus on My face.
So don't forget My rugged tree -
and safe in arms you'll always be.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I'm Rich! 5-30-09

I feel your pain, I do declare,
I know life isn't fair.
You work hard and sacrifice -
I know you've paid the higher price.

I cry for you, and say a prayer.
I know life isn't fair.
You still run in circles and
will never, ever understand.

I feel for you. You're in despair.
I know life isn't fair.
You're poor beyond all measure -
but listen closely, there's a cure.

You're bound to gold, yet unaware.
You're lost - yet in my prayer.
It seems you can't let go of -
an idol which - can never love.

But God so loved - and told us so,
If we choose Him, we'll never owe.
I have all my hearts desires -
while you'll be poor when life expires.

The first is last - so don't succumb,
for rich reward is God's Kingdom.
Don't be a slave to futile greed -
but I am His - and rich indeed.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Vibrant Rose 5-25-09

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
I hide inside my little room
and sulk in deep despair....

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
My heart ripped out - then entombed
and stomped on, so unfair....

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
I'm shredded up in pieces
yet no one is aware....

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
My pain intense, increases -
there's nothing to compare....

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
He never understands me
or hears my feeble prayer....

Why doesn't God care?
Is He even there?
Or is He busy fixing up
my heart that's in repair?

He uses tools quite bizarre -
sends rains in torrents from afar.
Storms, they pummel deep within,
beyond all hope, emotions are.

I let Him work with little room,
points He, life's path, to doom and gloom -
but says, "Believe, in Me confide.
Rest and see My flower bloom."

So push me Lord, I'll go without -
despite the storms, despite the drought.
Life's path has torn me inside-out.
A vibrant rose is so devout.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Titus 1:7-9 (NASB)
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,
8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

Faithful Footsteps 5-20-09

Okay, here's a 'twist'.

The word that rhymes is not in this poem.

I've inserted another word.

(just for fun)

Can you guess all the rhyming words?

(no peeking, they're at the bottom)

---

An old man lived on the outskirts of town,
wore an old suit that was tattered and
gray.

His hair, snowy white, was always unkempt.
Because kids made fun, he was full of con-
sideration.

When he was in school, he too made mistakes.
He once, on her desk, put poisonous -
mushrooms.

Now he didn't know that the mushrooms were bad.
and when she arrived, she got really -
pleased,

because she liked mushrooms on all types of things,
pizza and pasta - and on chicken
soup.

But then she noticed - removed them from sight.
She knew about mushrooms and knew these weren't -
edible.

She asked who had done it. This very young child,
didn't admit it - but sat there and -
felt guilty.

Despite good intentions he misunderstood.
He couldn't admit it, now tell me, who
is he?

His conscience held hostage, he couldn't ignore,
Was this still a child that mom could -
forgive?

Though all his emotions were torn far apart,
he learned a good lesson and made a new -
Friend.

He started to give and help out the others,
helping with strangers, sisters and -
with their needs.

Just when we think that we've figured life out,
We let out our holler and let out our -
chest.

I learned that humbleness Satan will thwart,
and with good intentions, we still will fall -
far,

far from Gods promise, far from above.
Once sacrifice fixed it but now it's His -
grace.

He later admitted to teacher, Miss Laurie,
"I thought they were good ones, I am very -
wrong."

Well, she understood and the story ends here.
He learned a good lesson and had a good -
education.

Wisdom was gained far back in his childhood,
He wasn't perfect but he knew he was -
bad.

Will Heaven we see, if we're very proud?
Will our pride cripple? Will we be -
dead?

Jesus gives life! Don't let Satan deceive,
for we are forgiven if we'll only -
have faith.

For even the demons - they're shuddering still.
Do they believe, and do His good -
commands?

Yes, Jesus proves faithful, time after time,
so follow His footsteps and you'll always -
rhyme!

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Just in case you're unsure of some of the 'rhyming' words... here they are:

Brown

Contempt

Snakes

Mad

Wings

Right

Smiled

Would

Adore

Start

Brothers

Shout

Short

Love

Sorry

Year

Good

Allowed

Believe

Will

And of course the last word "rhyme" is correct

Liars & Crosses 5-19-09

(house of cards)

When liars write their legal laws,
and push agendas high -
then pull the rug from under us,
what all does this imply?

When everyone's against us and
when laws ignore the lies -
and when we've been convicted, then
what can we all surmise?

It doesn't pay to play by rules?
It doesn't pay to fight?
It doesn't pay to honor truth?
Assume their 'wrongs' are 'right'?

The liars and deceivers all
can build their castles high -
but it won't take them very long
to topple from the sky.

Governments shall come and go
as this one surely will -
for lies cannot be building blocks
for laws up on 'the Hill'.

Now I was lied to - this is true,
so many, many times -
by bureaucrats in government
convicted of no crimes.

What happens when the liars then,
in government have risen?
You can bet we honest folk, will
rot away in prison!

Deceptive tongues and lying lips
shoot off from gnashing jaws -
but our clear eyes must peer above
their superficial laws.

My only consolation here
that's true and always free -
is this:  that God's no liar and
He sent His Son for me.

Consistent are His promises,
(as gravity and time) -
but all dead words from mortal man
aren't worth a blessed dime.

Know always that we're not alone
for God still loves us so.
Faith owns the straight and narrow and
to Heaven we will go.

For Jesus wore our very shoes
those many years ago -
and did not only drag His cross
...but carried ours also.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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HOMER 5-16-09

This is a true story.

It's true, as I had witnessed it personally.

I pray that you enjoy 'HOMER'.

-

Homer.
A 'special' person?
Successful?

Few would call him that today.
He was not an 'important' elected official.
He was not a 'well-known' celebrity.
He was not a 'CEO',
nor did it seem he was even 'needed'.

In the mid 50's
after heart trouble
needing a warmer climate

and wanting to do mission work-
he moved to Texas - Weslaco, Texas.
He knew no one there.
And of course,
Mexico was just across the river.

The Mexicans were very poor.
I suppose most of us knew that -
but few really noticed.

I visited him once.
He drove me around
and showed me places -
and I remember seeing
a very young girl playing
naked in front of
a small square shack (her home).

Homer saw a need -
but few noticed.

Homer lived in a trailer.
He didn't have heat
and it got cold at night -
but few noticed.

The border patrol got to know Homer.
They trusted him.
They knew him
as they saw how he lived,
and the work he was doing.
We crossed the border
into Mexico and back,
easily -
without being checked.
He prayed, then delivered food.
He prayed, then delivered clothes.
He prayed, then delivered hope.
He prayed, then delivered change -
to their lives.

For years he delivered their needs
and the Good Word -
but few noticed.

He didn't pastor a big church.
He didn't pastor a small church.
He didn't pastor any church -
but I remember once
at a Wednesday night prayer meeting -
(during one of those rare times
he returned to Wisconsin)
several men stood up
and gave their testimonies.
I can't remember
what any of them said.
But then Homer stood up.
He didn't say anything spectacular.
He just told of how poor his 'new friends' were
and how he was trying to help them.
He spoke for awhile and asked if
we might be able to share or donate anything -
clothes, food...
and then started to sit back down.
But everyone wanted to hear more
- so he continued.
He spoke for the full service.

There was no "prayer meeting" that evening.
No one left early.
The pastor never spoke either -
but few noticed. 

His faith was big
but he did small things.

Few noticed.

Decades later

as he got older,
he moved in with us -
back in Wisconsin.
I owned a few rentals
and charged him nothing.
He insisted on paying, though -

so he did,
$40 per month
which covered the utilities.
He could afford that.
He stayed in that small lower unit
a number of years.
I learned a lot -
as I saw him daily.
I was not a benefit to him,
but rather, he was a benefit to me.
You might say that we
were one, big happy family.
We seldom knocked.

I remember once
walking in on him
and saw him in his bedroom
on the floor
on his knees
at his bedside,
praying.
He didn't hear me
or see me
so I quietly backed out.
He was a man of prayer.

He read his Bible continuously.
We spoke often.
He carried his Bible everywhere -
and rarely left home without it.
He walked to the other end of town and back
twice a day, for exercise.
He loved Gods world -
but few noticed.

He continued his normal routine,
his daily Christian walk -
but few noticed.

One day
as I was driving down main street,
on the far sidewalk,
I saw him.
As I stopped for a red light,
there he was - up ahead,
walking the same direction as I.
Who could forget that distinctive walk?
A little hunched over,
but a deliberate walk -
as if he always knew
exactly where he was headed.
Few noticed.

As I got closer -
as I looked closer -
of course, at his side,
under his arm,
in his hand
was that same familiar Bible.
He didn't see me.
I didn't sound my horn to wave.
I just looked ahead
and smiled, thinking...
'that's Homer'.

On the sidewalk
were other passers by.
I wondered if they, too, saw his Bible.
Few noticed.

Now maybe Homer
was not a 'special' person in our world,
but he was a special person to me -
and a very 'special' person to God.
A great believer,
A 'special' person for sure -
though few noticed.

Are we 'special' to those around us?
How will people remember us?
And more importantly,
how will God remember us?

Homer passed away in 1991
at the age of 95.
A few people in Weslaco, TX
or in Mexico
might still remember "the nice man".
The children that he fed and clothed then
should be in their 40s or 50s now.

Homer McDermott
1896-1991
He died poor -
but few noticed.

If every American
in this nation -
prayed as hard as he did -
worked as hard as he did -
gave as hard as he did....
if every American
in this nation -
proved their love as he did -
to our neighbors here,
and around the world -
then America, once again, would be
that "shining city on a hill"
Reagan spoke of in Dallas in 1984.

And God would be defined to the world
through pure Christian living -
not through theology books
sold in bookstores,
or by
(allow me to say it this way)
"make-believers".

Homer didn't "make-believe".
Homer didn't 'act' like a Christian.
Homer was a Christian -
though few noticed.

Homer never worked for his salvation,
nor did he worry about his salvation,
nor did he charge
for his Christian service -
and few noticed.

Few people knew Homer -
but God did.
Few people noticed Homer -
but I did.

Tears pour from my eyes
when I think of how far I fall short
of Homer's great love and faith -
in life,
for others,
for God.

Homer -
a very 'special' person?
I guess that's for each one of us to decide,
depending on our goals in life -
but as for me - yes, absolutely.

Homer McDermott,
a most humble man -
a man of faith -
a man of most unselfish love,
with the greatest, most worthy testimony.

And though few noticed
my grandfather, I did.

~louis gander

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hope Soap! 5-12-09

Hope?

Bad hope?
Good hope?

What is hope?
And why hope?

Is hope for real?
Do hope we feel?

Is hoping smarter?
Does hope now differ?

When can we begin to cope?
When do we have real hope?

Hope for a reason?
Hope for a season?

Where is true hope?
What good is hope?

What's true hope?
Who's for hope?

Great hope?
Real hope?

Hope?

If nothing here is going wrong,
when everything is going strong -
Where's hope?

And if our days are so a'hurtin',
because in sin we are a'flirtin',
Where's hope?

Through streets, the serpent pulls and drags
as we become his filthy rags,
Where's hope?

And if, without humility
we know ourselves we can't cut free,
Where's hope?

We seek above the clouds for aid -
without repentence we still prayed,
Where's hope?

Faith in works does not suffice
but rather Christ who paid the price,
There's hope!

Grace can't clean unless we choose
faith in 'salvations soap' we use.
Hope Soap!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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